BERLIN – Thousands of demonstrators converged upon the German capital on Saturday in a powerful display of international solidarity with ongoing anti-government protests in Iran. The gathering at Berlin’s iconic Brandenburg Gate coincided with the anniversary of Iran’s 1979 revolution, creating a symbolic counterpoint to the Islamic Republic’s official celebrations.
Berlin police authorities confirmed approximately 8,000 participants had assembled by 1300 GMT, though organizers had anticipated up to 20,000 registered attendees. The demonstration emerged in response to Iran’s widespread civil unrest that began in December over economic grievances before evolving into political protests met with severe governmental crackdowns.
Notable figures including former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo provided virtual addresses after weather-related flight cancellations prevented physical attendance. Event organizers reported substantial institutional backing from 344 organizations across Europe, including parliamentary groups, trade unions, and civil society organizations, alongside 312 Iranian associations operating throughout the continent.
Maryam Rajavi, president-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), articulated the movement’s core principles during her address: ‘The message of the Iranian people and their Resistance has been and remains this: no appeasement, no war or foreign intervention, regime change and sovereignty of the republic of the people, by the people and their organised resistance.’
The demonstration represents the latest international response to Iran’s domestic unrest, which has witnessed the most severe suppression of dissent since the 1979 revolution. European governments have previously indicated potential sanctions against Iranian officials responsible for protest suppression.